J.Cole - definitely one of the leaders of the new school, homey cemented himself with his numbers, he's got a strong fanbase and he's putting out good music. It also helps that he's dope as fuck too.

Nas - he's just incredible, like honestly there is nobody that has the lyrical prowess and experience to fuck with Nas (maaaybe Eminem). Life Is Good showed he STILL has it and IMO was one of his best works (not saying it's a classic but it was extremely well done). Whenever I hear Nas or say Common spit I feel Hip-Hop you know ? It gives me hope. Nas is top 5 and he has no crew or fancy features to carry him, he's solo & he can stand on his own.

Kendrick Lamar - This cat had a great year, I think he's gotta a stronger fanbase than Cole tho b/c unlike Cole, Kendrick's musical feel is reminiscent of that early 90s, ATCQ type of feel but in 2012/13. I think his style is gonna unleash a bunch of copycats. I wonder what he's going to do now or if he's already working on his second album. Ab-Soul, SchoolBoy Q and his homeys got next. It could be the start of a beautiful thing.

Drake - maaaaaan whether you love him or hate him, there hasn't been a lot of people in recent years who've had the success he's had. I woulda never thought he'd blow up the way he did. Two dope albums, huuuuge international fanbase (he's got the ladies buying his records) and a strong team behind him. It's at the point where I think he could leave YMCMB and still be on top. I think his last 2 albums have sold just as much (if not a bit more than Lil Wayne's last 2 albums & Wayne did a mil in the first week SMMFH).

Rick Ross - Love him or hate him IMO MMG has the best marketing team in the industry, this is a guy who can continuously conquer the internet and someone leverage that into commercial appeal and sales. He may not sell big numbers but for a guy like him with smaller cats like Meek and Wale he does his numbers. And since the industry is so single heavy nowadays, it don't matter if he goes platinum cuz if the album don't the single will (even if it has to have features he still get his cut). Ross is huge online.

so underrated, and I disagree with joey bada$$ being overrated but it's all a matter of taste. I don't think he's the savior of rap or any bullshit like that but he's been consistent as fuck thus far..